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Board continues AMR ambulance contract rate discussion, asks for more data and fire collaboration
Summary
Supervisors considered a proposed rate increase for American Medical Response (AMR) transport services; staff presented utilization, payer mix and revenue questions; the board approved a continuance to gather additional financial detail and to invite AMR and local fire officials to discuss collaboration and transport responsibilities.
The board reviewed a proposed rate increase for AMR, the county’s ambulance transport provider, after staff presented utilization figures, payer mix estimates and revenue implications. Staff said a large share of transports are government‑pay (Medicaid/Medicare) and that collection rates are below the billed rate; the presentation included counts of hospital transports and an analysis of payer composition.
Supervisors asked whether the county’s fire services and AMR could improve collaboration to reduce duplicate transports and costs. Staff and board members agreed the rate decision should not preclude further conversations with fire departments about coordination, and they asked AMR to provide more detailed financials and documentation of collection rates, and for fire and AMR to discuss operational collaboration options.
The board voted to continue the item, directing staff to circulate additional materials and to invite AMR and fire leadership for a future discussion so the board can consider both rate implications and operational coordination.
Ending: The item was continued for additional data and a joint discussion with AMR and fire representatives.
